This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
As Nigeria grapples with over 3,500 COVID-19 cases and over 100 deaths, the country has initiated a plan to fly home at least 4,000 nationals stranded abroad due to the pandemic.
According to the plan, Nigerians from various countries including the UK, US, China, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, India, Iran, South Korea, Japan, and Australia will be flown home. The cost of the one-way economy ticket will range between $1,300 and $1,700.
On May 8, more than 301 Nigerians will be evacuated from the UK through a British Airways flight, while 700 will be flown from the US by Ethiopian Airlines on May 9. The chartered flight will depart from Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey, and arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Priority will be given to those with short-stay visas, the elderly, families with children, and returning students. However, not all Nigerians are pleased with the plan, with some preferring to remain abroad due to the economic benefits they receive in their host countries.
While many have welcomed the evacuation, others have expressed frustration and helplessness, citing the government's late response to the crisis. The government has secured 300 beds in Lagos and 1,000 in Abuja for the quarantine and isolation of the returnees.
